Introduction to Belly of the Beast
On a recent episode of the podcast "What’s Eric Eating," chef Thomas Bille joined CultureMap editor Eric Sandler to discuss his restaurant, Belly of the Beast. Chef Bille has had an incredibly successful past 12 months, earning a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin guide and the 2025 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Texas.
The Journey to Success
The conversation began with Bille recalling the circumstances that led him to close Belly of the Beast’s original location in Old Town Spring. He then went on to work as the executive chef of the short-lived modern Mexican restaurant Chivos. Despite building a following in the Heights at Chivos, Bille always wanted to reopen Belly of the Beast, a goal he and his wife Elizabeth realized in late 2023.
Future Plans for Belly of the Beast
Even with all the recent success, chef Bille is already thinking about the next iteration of Belly of the Beast, which would feature a live fire grill. In this scenario, the current location would evolve into a new version of Belly of the Beast’s original taqueria concept. Bille expressed his enthusiasm for opening Belly of the Beast 3.0, saying "Honestly, if I had money, I’d be doing that soon." He envisions a space with a nice little patio and a full bar, where he could offer a variety of different dishes.
The Impact of the James Beard Award
Chef Bille shared his thoughts on what his James Beard Award means for the culinary scene in Texas. He also participated in the show’s Lightning Round segment, providing some charming answers. To hear Bille’s take on the award and its impact on the state’s culinary scene, listeners can tune in to the full episode.
Other Episodes and Discussions
In another episode, Sandler and co-host Michael Fulmer discussed the news of the week. They talked about Casaema earning a spot on Bon Appetit’s list of America’s 14 best new breakfast spots, as well as the openings of Handies Douzo in Spring Branch and Katz’s in Memorial City. They also shared their thoughts on Yiayia’s Greek Kitchen, the new concept from Pappas Restaurants, and discussed their favorite dishes from their meal.
Conclusion
The podcast "What’s Eric Eating" offers a unique glimpse into the culinary scene in Texas, with interviews from renowned chefs like Thomas Bille. By tuning in to the podcast, listeners can stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends in the food world. With its engaging discussions and insightful interviews, "What’s Eric Eating" is a must-listen for anyone interested in food and cuisine. The podcast is available on Apple podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms, and can also be heard on ESPN 97.5 on Sundays at 9 am.
